Falling back into Daylight Savings time can be a challenging adjustment for us all, but especially for those affected by memory impairment, and of course, their caregivers. Here are some tips to help make the upcoming switch a little smoother.

Daylight Savings can do all of the following:

• Throw off your bodies internal clock
• Cause you to have trouble falling asleep
• Have you feeling groggy in the morning

What can you do about it? 

• Reset your body’s clock by walking outside for 20 minutes each morning

• Still foggy?  Take another walk at noon in the sun

• Eat healthy! Salmon and Tuna are high in Omega-3s good for mood

• Vitamin D helps as does chocolate for boosting mood

• Use caffeine in small doses throughout the day, but beware of consuming caffeine too close to bedtime

• Before bed, having a small bowl of whole grain cereal with milk can help your body make a sleep inducing amino acid – tryptophan

If you or your loved one suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) consider getting a lightbox and sit in front of it for 30 minutes each morning.  Look for a lightbox with 10,000 lux, emits low UV and treats SAD.

Abstracted from Better Homes and Gardens November 2017